Effect of various kenaf fiber content on the mechanical properties of composites

Abstract

Kenaf fiber has been cultivated as an industrial crop. In this paper, we present the on-going works of an assessment on the mechanical properties of its fiber composites. Tensile, flexural and impact tests were executed on untreated short kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Its fiber content is varied from 5% up to 20%, and was compared to neat epoxy (NEAT). Using a hand lay-up technique, a mixture of kenaf fiber and epoxy is poured into a mould and left to dry at room temperature for 24 hours. Seven specimens were cut according to ASTM D3039, ASTM D790 and ASTM D256 for the tensile test, flexural test and impact test, respectively. The results showed that the tensile, flexural and impact strengths of the kenaf fiber are lower compared to NEAT. Samples at 5% kenaf fiber content shows the highest tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength at 27. 1 MPa and 18.2 MPa and 0.56 kJ/m2, respectively. The 5% fiber content was finalized as the fiber content that can be applied in archery.